Thanks to actions of genius for which he already has the secret, CJ Stroud led Texans to victory against the Cardinals, despite also making big mistakes.
Houston Texans (6-4) – Arizona Cardinals (2-9): 21-16
Now the arch favorite for the title of offensive rookie of the year, CJ Stroud still has room for improvement to really compete for the supreme individual distinction. A campaign that some American colleagues began to echo this week, but which seems a bit premature. Proof of this is, this interception thrown on second attempt12 yards from the Cardinals’ end zone.
A more conservative play instead of a pass attempt to Nico Collins (7 receptions, 65 yards), although covered by two defenders, would have given the Texans a new opportunity to lead by two possessions against the Cardinals. The fact remains that Stroud has that little something extra that sets him apart from his fellow beginners, a blend of talent, calm and confidence that means he doesn’t pass up the same opportunity twice. If necessary, he will look for it himself, even if it is 40 yards away (21-10).
In the air, the connection with Tank Dell (8 receptions, 149 yards, 1 touchdown) works like crazy. On the ground, Devin Singletary fills the absence of Dameon Pierce with his second touchdown in as many weeks (14-10). And that’s how to put a cap on the hopes of the Cardinals, which have been reinvigorated since the return of Kyler Murray.
Murray in the oven and in the mill
Last season, before his cruciate ligament rupture, the Arizona quarterback had completed only one of his 18 longest passes attempted. An anomaly all the more shocking given that he had built, from the university ranks, the reputation of an exceptional sniper. Well, ladies and gentlemen, the sniper is back.
KYLER MURRAY WANTS IT MOORE.
📺: #AZvsHOU on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/jckqnJwdb2 pic.twitter.com/eut32ibtE2— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2023
Rondale Moore (1 reception, 48 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 carries, 6 yards) at reception to definitively sign the rebirth of the small ball version of songbirds, with three starting receivers – Moore, Greg Dortch and Marquise Brown – below 1.80m (0-7). Smallness, speed and depth, a recipe well known to the Cardinals, already under the previous regime.
DeMeco Ryans’ Texans have nothing to do with those of his predecessors. Because these Texans are also and above all those of the new face of their franchise. The first rookie quarterback in 40 years to string together two victorious series in the last two minutes, over two consecutive weeks, it only took two short drives for Stroud to throw his 16th touchdown of the season (7-7). And style points for Dalton Schultz (2 receptions, 32 yards, 1 touchdown), author of a slide worthy of the Penguins of Madagascar.
Stroud’s inconsequential gifts
Like, Murray (20/30, 214 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 7 races, 51 yards, 1 touchdown) also has it in spades. On the fourth attempt, to get his team back into the game, no problem and with class (21-16). A few centimeters would have even allowed him to convert his own two-point touchdown. Regardless, there’s a match, especially with Stroud’s subsequent second interception (27/37, 336 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions) in the Cardinals’ red zone. Then another, 5 yards from the Arizona red, more interceptions in one game than in the previous nine matches.
The Texans’ defensive squad, just as valiant as that of the Cardinals, however knew how to contain Arizona, until a final series which could have proved decisive. As a result, two teams that are ultimately quite close in terms of talent continue their paths in diametrically opposed directions.
